They’re gripping it in Motown a little

You gotta love Red Wings fans. They’re vocal and passionate (except at Joe Louis Arena this year, where most games have had a few thousand empty seats, without exception – including last year’s playoffs. We know, we know, Wingnuts, it’s just the economy for the reason, nothing else.).

Anywho, a couple of the Wings blogs are all up in a lather over a few comments of mine in a posting yesterday, where I had the unmitigated gall to say Datsyuk will be a playoff bust again this year like he always is. One blog used the always sophisticated line of attack of using a different spelling for my name. I’d say “Your mother” in response, but even that is probably too intelligent for said blog.
It was also pointed out to me that he had 16 points in 18 playoff games last year, and for that fact alone I guess I am supposed to now propose changing the Conn Smythe Trophy to the “Pavel Datsyuk Trophy.” Sixteen points in 18 games – well, let me know when the Barnabas Collins/Stan Laurel-lookalike gets to be a point-a-game guy in the postseason, then maybe we can begin to talk about not being a playoff bust performer. Memo to the allegedly more sophisticated Detroit fans – your No. 1 center is supposed to get at least a point a game in the playoffs, with all the minutes he’s given.
I’ve got nothing personal against Barnabas/Stan, but let’s call him for what he’s been in the playoffs – a bust. Did he improve slightly last year? Yeah. Is he still a playoff bust for his career? Uh, yeah. His playoff numbers from the previous years are: Games played: 52. Goals – 9. Points – 23. That’s Ben Guite territory.

I think the defensiveness in Detroit is coming because they’re starting to realize that they’re the same team as previous recent years: very pretty in the regular season, but not big, physical or tough enough for a long playoff run. Guys like Barnabas/Stan get taken off their games too easily in the playoffs, by teams like Calgary and Anaheim of recent years. The Wings still don’t like to get pushed around. But, tough luck for them is, they’re going to get pushed around come playoff time, when the whistles get swallowed more and it becomes more of a man’s game.

I’m not questioning the “toughness” of guys like Lidstrom, Cheli and even Barnabas/Stan. They’re NHL hockey players, and by definition that’s a tough human being. Much tougher than sitting on a seat in the press box, swilling coffee and popcorn. It’s just that, overall, Detroit looks beatable again for the playoffs. Anaheim would push them around again and beat them. I think San Jose would beat them now, with Campbell. And I’ll keep with my prediction: if the Avs get Smyth back and nobody else is hurt, the Avs beat the Wings in the first round. Ozzie and the Dominator are too old and past their primes, and Foppa and Footer never were and never will be intimidated by anyone wearing the Winged Wheel.

Anyway, to the vast majority of Wings fans that I’ve personally come to know as decent and intelligent: no offense. No offense taken here, either, at whatever invective is hurled my way. Part of the job.

“Ozzie and the Dominator are too old and past their primes, and Foppa and Footer never were and never will be intimidated by anyone wearing the Winged Wheel.”

So Foppa and Footer aren’t too old and past their prime? Tell me who is the number one goalie in the league this year. Was Roy too old and past his prime when he was 35? Osgood is having a career year, far from past his prime. Hasek has proven he can still play at a level higher than most, as long as he stays healthy. Together they’re clearly the best goalie tandem in the league – by far.

“I’d say “Your mother” in response, but even that is probably too intelligent for said blog.”

As for your “Pavel Datsyuk Trophy” comments…so he’s either a bust or the MVP, and there’s nothing in the middle? Hmmmm….

Of course, anyone paying attention knows there’s more than just goals and assists that tell you how a player is doing.

Paul

You don’t make any sense.

“Ozzie and the Dominator are too old and past their primes, and Foppa and Footer never were and never will be intimidated by anyone wearing the Winged Wheel.”

So Foppa and Footer aren’t too old and past their prime? Tell me who is the number one goalie in the league this year. Was Roy too old and past his prime when he was 35? Osgood is having a career year, far from past his prime. Hasek has proven he can still play at a level higher than most, as long as he stays healthy. Together they’re clearly the best goalie tandem in the league – by far.

“I’d say “Your mother” in response, but even that is probably too intelligent for said blog.”

As for your “Pavel Datsyuk Trophy” comments…so he’s either a bust or the MVP, and there’s nothing in the middle? Hmmmm….

Of course, anyone paying attention knows there’s more than just goals and assists that tell you how a player is doing.

Paul

Sorry, I made a mistake and want to correct myself. I said “tell me who is the number one goalie in the league this year” when I should have said “tell me who are the number one and two goalies in the league this year.” Sorry for my error.

Paul

Sorry, I made a mistake and want to correct myself. I said “tell me who is the number one goalie in the league this year” when I should have said “tell me who are the number one and two goalies in the league this year.” Sorry for my error.

Darren Garcia

I love you.

I honestly love you.

Darren Garcia

I love you.

I honestly love you.

Matt Saler

Dater,

I never said anything about the Conn Smythe. I don’t pretend 16 points in 18 games is stellar, but it’s certainly better than a bust.

Criticizing Pavel’s career playoff performance is nothing original, by the way. It was a common Wings fan gripe as recently as last season. However, as I said in my other comment, he addressed those concerns well enough to put them on hold pending this year’s performance.

One of the most common criticisms of blogs is an apparent lack of factual precision. By ignoring Datsyuk’s 2007 playoff effort, you were guilty of the same thing. But when a journalist does it and a blogger calls them out on it, it’s “invective.” Tell me if you ever deigned to read my blog and I made a similar generalization about an Avalanche player, you wouldn’t be tempted to rip me a new one. Or at least publish an anti-blogger polemic.

As for the playoffs, I am one Wings fan who does not relish the thought of facing the Avs in the first round. I remember all too well Forsberg’s Red Wings Killer status. That does not mean I don’t have immense confidence in the team and believe you to be foolish to underestimate them.

More specifically, you’re foolish to underestimate the Wings’ goaltending when the Avs are in far worse shape. Jose Theodore scares no one any more. Peter Budaj? Even less frightening. Hasek may not be in 1999 form, but he’s still a goaltender capable of winning games, as is Osgood.

Any shortcomings they may have are more than compensated for by the Wings’ defense. When healthy, the Wings’ blueline is arguably the best in the League. I say that knowing full well the arguments for Anaheim’s. By comparison, the Avs’ defense is laughable at best.

The old, tired argument that the Wings’ small size and apparent lack of toughness is just that: old and tired. The Wings demonstrated a remarkable resiliency in last season’s playoffs and have, if anything, a tougher makeup this year.

Let the Avs make the playoffs first before you start making rash attacks on the Wings.

Your jab at the Michigan economy is much appreciated, by the way. As a college student facing the very real prospect of unemployment in my home state upon graduation, I really appreciate the soft-pedaling of a very real problem by mainstream hockey media mouthpieces such as yourself.

Matt Saler

Dater,

I never said anything about the Conn Smythe. I don’t pretend 16 points in 18 games is stellar, but it’s certainly better than a bust.

Criticizing Pavel’s career playoff performance is nothing original, by the way. It was a common Wings fan gripe as recently as last season. However, as I said in my other comment, he addressed those concerns well enough to put them on hold pending this year’s performance.

One of the most common criticisms of blogs is an apparent lack of factual precision. By ignoring Datsyuk’s 2007 playoff effort, you were guilty of the same thing. But when a journalist does it and a blogger calls them out on it, it’s “invective.” Tell me if you ever deigned to read my blog and I made a similar generalization about an Avalanche player, you wouldn’t be tempted to rip me a new one. Or at least publish an anti-blogger polemic.

As for the playoffs, I am one Wings fan who does not relish the thought of facing the Avs in the first round. I remember all too well Forsberg’s Red Wings Killer status. That does not mean I don’t have immense confidence in the team and believe you to be foolish to underestimate them.

More specifically, you’re foolish to underestimate the Wings’ goaltending when the Avs are in far worse shape. Jose Theodore scares no one any more. Peter Budaj? Even less frightening. Hasek may not be in 1999 form, but he’s still a goaltender capable of winning games, as is Osgood.

Any shortcomings they may have are more than compensated for by the Wings’ defense. When healthy, the Wings’ blueline is arguably the best in the League. I say that knowing full well the arguments for Anaheim’s. By comparison, the Avs’ defense is laughable at best.

The old, tired argument that the Wings’ small size and apparent lack of toughness is just that: old and tired. The Wings demonstrated a remarkable resiliency in last season’s playoffs and have, if anything, a tougher makeup this year.

Let the Avs make the playoffs first before you start making rash attacks on the Wings.

Your jab at the Michigan economy is much appreciated, by the way. As a college student facing the very real prospect of unemployment in my home state upon graduation, I really appreciate the soft-pedaling of a very real problem by mainstream hockey media mouthpieces such as yourself.

dave

i’m from detroit, and im passionate. i can only imagine the euphoria in denver right now. what sakic, foppa, and foote all back at the same time? does my tuxedo look alright?…is my tie straight?…will i get laid tonite after the prom?
I can’t remember the last time time i envied something. surely you have something that every great hockey town revels. i’ve always been proud that at one time we had a great rivalry between great clubs/players/fans. i pray it can be re-ignited…….and that we kick your ass lol GO AV’S GO WINGS!!

btw….very good blog you have here and i wish you ALL the success and pure fun you’ll have…no matter how long it lasts….if you beat the wings…..you’d better take it the rest of the way and take the cup….what a story for the anals of hockey

dave

i’m from detroit, and im passionate. i can only imagine the euphoria in denver right now. what sakic, foppa, and foote all back at the same time? does my tuxedo look alright?…is my tie straight?…will i get laid tonite after the prom?
I can’t remember the last time time i envied something. surely you have something that every great hockey town revels. i’ve always been proud that at one time we had a great rivalry between great clubs/players/fans. i pray it can be re-ignited…….and that we kick your ass lol GO AV’S GO WINGS!!

btw….very good blog you have here and i wish you ALL the success and pure fun you’ll have…no matter how long it lasts….if you beat the wings…..you’d better take it the rest of the way and take the cup….what a story for the anals of hockey

ERIK JOHNSON RULES

Hey Dater- nice how you whine about people making fun of your name and then turn around and make a running gag out of how Datsyuk looks like Stan Laurel.

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, I know, but isn’t it weird when hockey “experts” like yourself imitate the writing styles of people who don’t get paid to do what you do for a living?

You suck Dater. And so does your candy-#$% excuse for an NHL franchise.

ERIK JOHNSON RULES

Hey Dater- nice how you whine about people making fun of your name and then turn around and make a running gag out of how Datsyuk looks like Stan Laurel.

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, I know, but isn’t it weird when hockey “experts” like yourself imitate the writing styles of people who don’t get paid to do what you do for a living?

You suck Dater. And so does your candy-#$% excuse for an NHL franchise.

MacPhisto

Adrian,

this whole debate is ridiculous. Can the Avs beat the Wings? Sure, if the Mountaineers could beat UM. Will they? They won’t. That’s because you have no goaltending, no defense and a suspect forward corps. By your estimation that would be: Jose Theodore, in his prime (right), Sakic, Forsberg, Foote, who aren’t past their primes (LOL) and of course the magical playoff heroes, Stastny and Wolsky.

Gimme a break.

You couldn’t even score a goal in Denver. Wings can’t stand the grinding playoffs (right, last year we were one bad call away from the Finals, Flames, Sharks and Ducks, it can’t get any tougher), but the Avs, who were on and off the IR the last two seasons, will. Especially Floppa.
Nice point.

BTW I enjoyed your book about the rivalry. But you won’t get to write Pt. II, that’s because the Avs’ days are OVAH.
Try to sniff around the Ducks. Yours,

M_P

gill

I’m an Avs fan and even so I must say this is pretty harsh, Dater.

Ok, the Ducks won the Cup last year and who was their leading scorer? Getzlaf with 17 points in 21 games.

Datsyuk’s 16 in 18 looks pretty good now, n’est-ce pas? If you recall watching Datsyuk in the playoffs last year, he was certainly an impact player. Furthermore, as I’m sure you’re well aware, Datsyuk’s career playoff stats are skewed due to the long Cup in his rookie season when he was basically a fourth liner.

That being said, we all, both Detroit and Colorado fans, know very well that the Wings are going to collapse again in the playoffs this year.

MacPhisto

Adrian,

this whole debate is ridiculous. Can the Avs beat the Wings? Sure, if the Mountaineers could beat UM. Will they? They won’t. That’s because you have no goaltending, no defense and a suspect forward corps. By your estimation that would be: Jose Theodore, in his prime (right), Sakic, Forsberg, Foote, who aren’t past their primes (LOL) and of course the magical playoff heroes, Stastny and Wolsky.

Gimme a break.

You couldn’t even score a goal in Denver. Wings can’t stand the grinding playoffs (right, last year we were one bad call away from the Finals, Flames, Sharks and Ducks, it can’t get any tougher), but the Avs, who were on and off the IR the last two seasons, will. Especially Floppa.
Nice point.

BTW I enjoyed your book about the rivalry. But you won’t get to write Pt. II, that’s because the Avs’ days are OVAH.
Try to sniff around the Ducks. Yours,

M_P

gill

I’m an Avs fan and even so I must say this is pretty harsh, Dater.

Ok, the Ducks won the Cup last year and who was their leading scorer? Getzlaf with 17 points in 21 games.

Datsyuk’s 16 in 18 looks pretty good now, n’est-ce pas? If you recall watching Datsyuk in the playoffs last year, he was certainly an impact player. Furthermore, as I’m sure you’re well aware, Datsyuk’s career playoff stats are skewed due to the long Cup in his rookie season when he was basically a fourth liner.

That being said, we all, both Detroit and Colorado fans, know very well that the Wings are going to collapse again in the playoffs this year.

Tapeleg

Dude, welcome to hockey blogging. This is what it’s like. You can either stir the pot more, or just let it be.

Tapeleg

Dude, welcome to hockey blogging. This is what it’s like. You can either stir the pot more, or just let it be.

G-Fresh

I am an Avs fan (I live in Europe and watch their games from 3am to 6am then go to work), I hate the red wings (in a sports rivalry kind of way). As much as I enjoy trash talking the wings, I’m going to have to be adult here and say that Adrian is a %*$# ! (fill in as you please)

What a pathetic blog

You are probably trying to start a media rivalry like the one back in the late 90s, but I hope that no one in Detroit bites at your pathetic bait. Your McCarty like ‘I’ll punch you while you are down’ low-blow is deserving of nothing less than a good old fashion Lemieux head-smashing into the boards (OK, harsh), or then perhaps a Roy stick to the crotch.

Go Avs. Wings suck. Dater is useless

G-Fresh

I am an Avs fan (I live in Europe and watch their games from 3am to 6am then go to work), I hate the red wings (in a sports rivalry kind of way). As much as I enjoy trash talking the wings, I’m going to have to be adult here and say that Adrian is a %*$# ! (fill in as you please)

What a pathetic blog

You are probably trying to start a media rivalry like the one back in the late 90s, but I hope that no one in Detroit bites at your pathetic bait. Your McCarty like ‘I’ll punch you while you are down’ low-blow is deserving of nothing less than a good old fashion Lemieux head-smashing into the boards (OK, harsh), or then perhaps a Roy stick to the crotch.

Go Avs. Wings suck. Dater is useless

Hustlin

Here’s the whole problem, Avs are going to finish 3rd overall, so the Wings will be knocked out by the time we would come around to playing them.

Hustlin

Here’s the whole problem, Avs are going to finish 3rd overall, so the Wings will be knocked out by the time we would come around to playing them.

Detroit has some good goaltenders, but what’s really got Ozzie and Hasek 1, 2 in the GAA column is their defensive corps, their save percentages are 11th and 32 respectively, and lately, with Lidstrom and other key defensive cogs out they’ve had trouble winning.

Detroit is a great team, with good goaltending, a great blue line a couple super-star forwards and good to great role players, it’s fun to point at them not reaching the finals the last several years and say they can’t win in the playoffs, but only 1 out of 8 teams makes it to the finals each year, so calling any one of those 7 teams each year soft is a little childish to me. Quite a bit like the name calling in these comments and posts, I realize it’s harmless fun for some people, but if your hackles are getting raised due to blog name calling you need to re-evaluate your anger management.

Can the Avs beat the Red Wings in the playoffs, yeah, maybe, I’d like to think so being an Avalanche fan, but we have to get there first, and even then I’d rather not have to play the Wings right away, they’ve pretty much had our number the last two years.

Will

Detroit has some good goaltenders, but what’s really got Ozzie and Hasek 1, 2 in the GAA column is their defensive corps, their save percentages are 11th and 32 respectively, and lately, with Lidstrom and other key defensive cogs out they’ve had trouble winning.

Detroit is a great team, with good goaltending, a great blue line a couple super-star forwards and good to great role players, it’s fun to point at them not reaching the finals the last several years and say they can’t win in the playoffs, but only 1 out of 8 teams makes it to the finals each year, so calling any one of those 7 teams each year soft is a little childish to me. Quite a bit like the name calling in these comments and posts, I realize it’s harmless fun for some people, but if your hackles are getting raised due to blog name calling you need to re-evaluate your anger management.

Can the Avs beat the Red Wings in the playoffs, yeah, maybe, I’d like to think so being an Avalanche fan, but we have to get there first, and even then I’d rather not have to play the Wings right away, they’ve pretty much had our number the last two years.

ClaudeLemeiux

Adrian, this is hilarious.

I do have one very serious disagreement with you, however.

“Your mother!” is, hands down, THE BEST JOKE EVER!

I can’t even type it without laughing.

ClaudeLemeiux

Adrian, this is hilarious.

I do have one very serious disagreement with you, however.

“Your mother!” is, hands down, THE BEST JOKE EVER!

I can’t even type it without laughing.

Thomas

Adrian,

Solid post. Kicked the idiot Wings trolls in the nuts, and they have gone ballistic yet again. Still living in the past, they are. Funny though, not only have the Avs beaten the Wings in 60% of the playoff series between the two teams, but their starting goalie Chris Osgood has NEVER beaten the Avs in a playoff series. So one wonders why they are living in the past when the past is so bleak for them.

Ah well, keep up the good work. Fun to watch these morons flip out.

Thomas

Adrian,

Solid post. Kicked the idiot Wings trolls in the nuts, and they have gone ballistic yet again. Still living in the past, they are. Funny though, not only have the Avs beaten the Wings in 60% of the playoff series between the two teams, but their starting goalie Chris Osgood has NEVER beaten the Avs in a playoff series. So one wonders why they are living in the past when the past is so bleak for them.

Ah well, keep up the good work. Fun to watch these morons flip out.

G-Fresh

Adrian

Please go back to writting about yourself. That way I won’t be fooled into thinking you are giving good reports on hockey.

Seriously, I’m more interested in how cold you are in your hotel room, or how bad the food in the restaurant is, or how bad the service is, or which baseball team you like, or where you will be signing your book, or amazing stories about how 2 people with the same name met you to get autographs…
Even though reading about your life is about as fun as getting castrated, I’m more interested in all that than I am in your hockey “insight”.

So please, no more hockey, only clearly headlined AD news.

You will probably suggest that I stop reading your blogs, but please realize that if I read them it’s because I really do get fooled into thinking I will get real and important hockey/Avalanche news.

Thanks

PS : did you film yourself on that “Peter Forsberg return” video? that’s…uh…pathetic?

G-Fresh

Adrian

Please go back to writting about yourself. That way I won’t be fooled into thinking you are giving good reports on hockey.

Seriously, I’m more interested in how cold you are in your hotel room, or how bad the food in the restaurant is, or how bad the service is, or which baseball team you like, or where you will be signing your book, or amazing stories about how 2 people with the same name met you to get autographs…
Even though reading about your life is about as fun as getting castrated, I’m more interested in all that than I am in your hockey “insight”.

So please, no more hockey, only clearly headlined AD news.

You will probably suggest that I stop reading your blogs, but please realize that if I read them it’s because I really do get fooled into thinking I will get real and important hockey/Avalanche news.

Thanks

PS : did you film yourself on that “Peter Forsberg return” video? that’s…uh…pathetic?

Ryan

My my, these red wings fan are certainly up in arms.

We’ll have to cut them some slack… they do, after all, have to live in Detroit.

The Yankees of hockey. All hat and no cattle. All regular season bark, and no playoff bite.

Another awesome article AD. Love it. Keep up the good work. Somebody has to keep the Dead Things honest.

Ryan

My my, these red wings fan are certainly up in arms.

We’ll have to cut them some slack… they do, after all, have to live in Detroit.

The Yankees of hockey. All hat and no cattle. All regular season bark, and no playoff bite.

Another awesome article AD. Love it. Keep up the good work. Somebody has to keep the Dead Things honest.

Ryan

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

what suburban wannabe named himself G-Fresh?

What are you, Ice T’s illegitimate cousin?

That’s awesome.

Ryan

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

what suburban wannabe named himself G-Fresh?

What are you, Ice T’s illegitimate cousin?

That’s awesome.

MacPhisto

Wings fans, living in the past they are.

Speaking of past, how was your deadline?

MacPhisto

Wings fans, living in the past they are.

Speaking of past, how was your deadline?

Jeru1975

AD…Thanks for stirring up the pot; your blog is your blog and from what I can tell, it is not as harshly edited as you regular articles so post what you want!!

For those Avs fans who thought this was too harsh, get off the bus, we have no room for you. There cannot be posts like the ones seen here if you are truly an Avs fan and truly a Wings hater. You obviously don’t remember the true emotion of the Avs/Wings rivalry of the past.

I guess I spoke too soon when I said it was nice not having to hear from Wings fans on Paige’s recent article. Oh well, like a virus, I guess they had to come back at some point in time so I’m sitting here with a big smile on my face knowing that Wings fans are in such a frenzy over this and recent blogs. Get over it!! Your team is fragile when it comes to physical play and will be knocked out quick in the playoffs.

Don’t you Wings fans have something better to do like cashing your welfare check? I mean, that’s the thing to do in Detroit, isn’t it?

You hate me and I hate you….that’s the way it will always be.

Jeru1975

AD…Thanks for stirring up the pot; your blog is your blog and from what I can tell, it is not as harshly edited as you regular articles so post what you want!!

For those Avs fans who thought this was too harsh, get off the bus, we have no room for you. There cannot be posts like the ones seen here if you are truly an Avs fan and truly a Wings hater. You obviously don’t remember the true emotion of the Avs/Wings rivalry of the past.

I guess I spoke too soon when I said it was nice not having to hear from Wings fans on Paige’s recent article. Oh well, like a virus, I guess they had to come back at some point in time so I’m sitting here with a big smile on my face knowing that Wings fans are in such a frenzy over this and recent blogs. Get over it!! Your team is fragile when it comes to physical play and will be knocked out quick in the playoffs.

Don’t you Wings fans have something better to do like cashing your welfare check? I mean, that’s the thing to do in Detroit, isn’t it?

You hate me and I hate you….that’s the way it will always be.

Jeremy

Wow, shocker that self righteous Wings fans and/ or media take offense whenever someone has the gall to NOT put their team on a pedestal.

We’ve seen this before: Detroit team with strong puck possession game coasts through regular season, and then comes up short in a playoff series where maybe they “looked better” than their opponent but couldn’t get the crunchtime, tough goals when needed. How many playoff series has the Detroit media claimed that the Wings SHOULD have won since 2002? All of them? We certainly heard that last year after the Anaheim series.

Dater is right…Detroit has become a team that doesn’t like the rough stuff, which is a far cry from the Wings teams in the late 90s that had a superb balance of skill and intestinal fortitude. When their players gripe and moan about perfectly legal hits, like the one from Laperriere on Lidstrom, and that somehow Lappy should have shown more “respect” for Lidstrom, there is a problem.

Did we hear ANY complaints from the Avs camp about the hit on Ryan Smyth? No. It was a clean hit, unfortunate location, that’s hockey, time to move on. None of this “Smyth is a veteran player and shouldn’t be treated like that” garbage we heard from Detroit about Lidstrom.

I doubt many teams will show Detroit the “respect” they are yammering about in the playoffs, and there’s a good chance the Wings will add yet another playoff series they “should have won” to their mantle.

Jeremy

Wow, shocker that self righteous Wings fans and/ or media take offense whenever someone has the gall to NOT put their team on a pedestal.

We’ve seen this before: Detroit team with strong puck possession game coasts through regular season, and then comes up short in a playoff series where maybe they “looked better” than their opponent but couldn’t get the crunchtime, tough goals when needed. How many playoff series has the Detroit media claimed that the Wings SHOULD have won since 2002? All of them? We certainly heard that last year after the Anaheim series.

Dater is right…Detroit has become a team that doesn’t like the rough stuff, which is a far cry from the Wings teams in the late 90s that had a superb balance of skill and intestinal fortitude. When their players gripe and moan about perfectly legal hits, like the one from Laperriere on Lidstrom, and that somehow Lappy should have shown more “respect” for Lidstrom, there is a problem.

Did we hear ANY complaints from the Avs camp about the hit on Ryan Smyth? No. It was a clean hit, unfortunate location, that’s hockey, time to move on. None of this “Smyth is a veteran player and shouldn’t be treated like that” garbage we heard from Detroit about Lidstrom.

I doubt many teams will show Detroit the “respect” they are yammering about in the playoffs, and there’s a good chance the Wings will add yet another playoff series they “should have won” to their mantle.

Brian, Aurora

Stop this madness! The rivalries are supposed to be on the ice people. Let the players do the talking.
It would be sweet if the Avs meet the Wings in the first round. Peter had 2 giveaways but overall he had a decent game. His line could have scored 2 goals last night. Thursday will be a real test against the best D-corp in the NHL.
Wolski needs to start using his size. He’s too weak on the puck.

Brian, Aurora

Stop this madness! The rivalries are supposed to be on the ice people. Let the players do the talking.
It would be sweet if the Avs meet the Wings in the first round. Peter had 2 giveaways but overall he had a decent game. His line could have scored 2 goals last night. Thursday will be a real test against the best D-corp in the NHL.
Wolski needs to start using his size. He’s too weak on the puck.

Darren Garcia

“Still living in the past, they are.”

Hmm, unlike the Dive and their recent “youth movement” eh, Yoda?

By the way, you left your Avs binky and footie jammies in my loft, Thhhommy.

Toodles.

D.G.

Darren Garcia

“Still living in the past, they are.”

Hmm, unlike the Dive and their recent “youth movement” eh, Yoda?

By the way, you left your Avs binky and footie jammies in my loft, Thhhommy.

Toodles.

D.G.

Freedom Elz

All of the Wings homers are so upset becuase they know what Adrian has written is the truth and it stings.

Look at Hasek’s record when he faces more than 20 shots a game, its below .500. Last year Ken Holland brought in Bertuzzi and Calder to give his team some badly needed size up front, they’re both gone and haven’t been replaced. So how is this year’s team better able to compete in the play offs?

The team wasn’t good enough last year.

Zetterberg and Stan Laurel won’t be able to dance around the ice without getting hit like they have most of this season. Who will pick up the slack?

Jiri Hudler?

LOL!

Freedom Elz

All of the Wings homers are so upset becuase they know what Adrian has written is the truth and it stings.

Look at Hasek’s record when he faces more than 20 shots a game, its below .500. Last year Ken Holland brought in Bertuzzi and Calder to give his team some badly needed size up front, they’re both gone and haven’t been replaced. So how is this year’s team better able to compete in the play offs?

The team wasn’t good enough last year.

Zetterberg and Stan Laurel won’t be able to dance around the ice without getting hit like they have most of this season. Who will pick up the slack?

Jiri Hudler?

LOL!

Olongapo Joe

Thometh:
Get off the internets and go do something. Go bowling, or take a brisk walk in the park. See a movie, or hang out in the vegetable section of the local grocery store. Something. You’re getting stale sitting there slumped over your keyboard all day long. Live a little, for cryin’ out loud. When’s the last time you had sex with a woman whose name doesn’t end in ‘.jpeg?’

Olongapo Joe

Thometh:
Get off the internets and go do something. Go bowling, or take a brisk walk in the park. See a movie, or hang out in the vegetable section of the local grocery store. Something. You’re getting stale sitting there slumped over your keyboard all day long. Live a little, for cryin’ out loud. When’s the last time you had sex with a woman whose name doesn’t end in ‘.jpeg?’

Olongapo Joe

“…so I’m sitting here with a big smile on my face knowing that Wings fans are in such a frenzy over this and recent blogs.”

I’m sitting here with a smile on my face looking at the season scoreboard:
4-2
1-0
2-0
4-0

Olongapo Joe

“…so I’m sitting here with a big smile on my face knowing that Wings fans are in such a frenzy over this and recent blogs.”

I’m sitting here with a smile on my face looking at the season scoreboard:
4-2
1-0
2-0
4-0

Jacyln

I will still never understand why fans from another team come to the LOCAL newspaper’s site and stir trouble. You’ll never see me on any Detroit website talking trash. Thats just asking to stir trouble and seriously, people like that need to get a life and worry about their team.

Sure the Wings can pick on the Avs. They can come here and pick on us since we were the only victory they had in the last 11 games (plus Buffalo finally). Sure we got beat and I can admit that. But 2 of the 4 games were extremely close and could have gone either way especially that horrible call that erased our goal. So yeah, come here and smack talk us all you want but take a look in the mirror. A team who has gone 2-10 in the last 12 games needs to worry about their own problems and stay out of ours.

Jacyln

I will still never understand why fans from another team come to the LOCAL newspaper’s site and stir trouble. You’ll never see me on any Detroit website talking trash. Thats just asking to stir trouble and seriously, people like that need to get a life and worry about their team.

Sure the Wings can pick on the Avs. They can come here and pick on us since we were the only victory they had in the last 11 games (plus Buffalo finally). Sure we got beat and I can admit that. But 2 of the 4 games were extremely close and could have gone either way especially that horrible call that erased our goal. So yeah, come here and smack talk us all you want but take a look in the mirror. A team who has gone 2-10 in the last 12 games needs to worry about their own problems and stay out of ours.

Paul

“All regular season bark, and no playoff bite.”

Um, OK. Shall we now compare Stanley Cups won, trips to the Finals and Conference Finals since Quebec became the Avalanche? Methinks you don’t really want to go there…

Paul

“All regular season bark, and no playoff bite.”

Um, OK. Shall we now compare Stanley Cups won, trips to the Finals and Conference Finals since Quebec became the Avalanche? Methinks you don’t really want to go there…

Aaron

Dear Adrian,

Thank you for stating your oppinion. I appreciate your analysis as much as your writing. Its about time we got someone to stir the pot and I’ll add my ingredients to the mixture:

1. Detroit is collapsing- They have fallen in on themselves. Their scorers aren’t, well, scoring and their defense in injured. They always do this. They put 90% energy to the regular season and 10% (maybe 15) for a playoff run. By the time they get there, they are dog-tired. Prediction: out in first round (second if they get Vancouver).

2. Avs can’t score on Detroit?- Yes, we couldn’t score on them. However, that was without Smyth, Stastny and, most importantly, Forsberg and Sakic. The latter two are known for their heroics against you. give us three of the four, we’ll play with you. Give us all four, we’ll destroy you.

3. Avs have no defense- This was before the arrival of Adam Foote and Ruslan Salei. I’ve watched games on TV and, recently, in person. I can tell you that Adam Foote has shaped up all the defense. We are in better position, not scrambling as much and more unified in general. The return of our greatest two-way centers (Sakic and Stastny) has helped that a lot too.

4. Avs goaltending- Anyone who knows me, knows that I’ve been hard on Theodore, but he’s been solid. The most dangerous thing about him is that no one believes in him. He goes out and proves the world wrong.

5. Avs are built for a playoff run- They have true grit now. When the season started, they only had Laperriere, maybe include Jeff Finger. Now, due to injuries and trades, we have guys like Cody McLeod, Foote, Salei et. al. to be scrappy. This team has a lot of the elements that made it dangerous in the 1996 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Last, no matter what you think of the message, don’t shoot Dater. He has been fair to the Avs and their opponents over the years. He reports fairly and is comphrehensive. If you don’t agree with the message, fine but do not take shots at a great reporter like Mr. Dater. Keep doing what you’re doing Adrian Dater, you rock.

Aaron Musick

Aaron

Dear Adrian,

Thank you for stating your oppinion. I appreciate your analysis as much as your writing. Its about time we got someone to stir the pot and I’ll add my ingredients to the mixture:

1. Detroit is collapsing- They have fallen in on themselves. Their scorers aren’t, well, scoring and their defense in injured. They always do this. They put 90% energy to the regular season and 10% (maybe 15) for a playoff run. By the time they get there, they are dog-tired. Prediction: out in first round (second if they get Vancouver).

2. Avs can’t score on Detroit?- Yes, we couldn’t score on them. However, that was without Smyth, Stastny and, most importantly, Forsberg and Sakic. The latter two are known for their heroics against you. give us three of the four, we’ll play with you. Give us all four, we’ll destroy you.

3. Avs have no defense- This was before the arrival of Adam Foote and Ruslan Salei. I’ve watched games on TV and, recently, in person. I can tell you that Adam Foote has shaped up all the defense. We are in better position, not scrambling as much and more unified in general. The return of our greatest two-way centers (Sakic and Stastny) has helped that a lot too.

4. Avs goaltending- Anyone who knows me, knows that I’ve been hard on Theodore, but he’s been solid. The most dangerous thing about him is that no one believes in him. He goes out and proves the world wrong.

5. Avs are built for a playoff run- They have true grit now. When the season started, they only had Laperriere, maybe include Jeff Finger. Now, due to injuries and trades, we have guys like Cody McLeod, Foote, Salei et. al. to be scrappy. This team has a lot of the elements that made it dangerous in the 1996 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Last, no matter what you think of the message, don’t shoot Dater. He has been fair to the Avs and their opponents over the years. He reports fairly and is comphrehensive. If you don’t agree with the message, fine but do not take shots at a great reporter like Mr. Dater. Keep doing what you’re doing Adrian Dater, you rock.

Aaron Musick

Iwocpo

Jaclyn,
Ask the guys who blog about your team and they’ll tell you that the Wing fans posting in response to this blog entry do not go their sites and pound away at your team. Dater’s blog, the one you’re commenting on, was in direct response to an entry at my site, one that he commented on. That’s what prompted him to write this one.

If anything he invited everything that’s been written here. Nice to see your research abilities are on par with your hero’s.

Iwocpo

Jaclyn,
Ask the guys who blog about your team and they’ll tell you that the Wing fans posting in response to this blog entry do not go their sites and pound away at your team. Dater’s blog, the one you’re commenting on, was in direct response to an entry at my site, one that he commented on. That’s what prompted him to write this one.

If anything he invited everything that’s been written here. Nice to see your research abilities are on par with your hero’s.

BiB

Iwocpo,

Are you sure AD really posted on your blog? The way it is set up, anyone could have posted there using any name … right? I mean, didn’t Woody Paige and Mark Kiszla also “post” on one of the threads? Just saying ….

This is all entertaining to me. That is it. I really do think the Avs are heading upward and the Wings are heading downward right now, so who knows ….?

BiB

Iwocpo,

Are you sure AD really posted on your blog? The way it is set up, anyone could have posted there using any name … right? I mean, didn’t Woody Paige and Mark Kiszla also “post” on one of the threads? Just saying ….

This is all entertaining to me. That is it. I really do think the Avs are heading upward and the Wings are heading downward right now, so who knows ….?

Olongapo Joe

“Last, no matter what you think of the message, don’t shoot Dater. He has been fair to the Avs and their opponents over the years. He reports fairly and is comphrehensive. If you don’t agree with the message, fine but do not take shots at a great reporter like Mr. Dater. Keep doing what you’re doing Adrian Dater, you rock.”

Adrian Dater, Male Bag.

I’m sorry, but even after all these years, I still think of that and giggle whenever I see his name.

Olongapo Joe

“Last, no matter what you think of the message, don’t shoot Dater. He has been fair to the Avs and their opponents over the years. He reports fairly and is comphrehensive. If you don’t agree with the message, fine but do not take shots at a great reporter like Mr. Dater. Keep doing what you’re doing Adrian Dater, you rock.”

Adrian Dater, Male Bag.

I’m sorry, but even after all these years, I still think of that and giggle whenever I see his name.

Todd

Nuttin’ better than wings fans with their panties in a bunch. Oh, and Olangapo (sp?)…What relevance do the scores of the season series have now? About as much relevance as the ’96, ’99, and ’00 season series had on those playoff matches. None! detroit fans are just like the team- they think it’s all about the regular season. Enjoy your President’s Trophies!!!!

Todd

Nuttin’ better than wings fans with their panties in a bunch. Oh, and Olangapo (sp?)…What relevance do the scores of the season series have now? About as much relevance as the ’96, ’99, and ’00 season series had on those playoff matches. None! detroit fans are just like the team- they think it’s all about the regular season. Enjoy your President’s Trophies!!!!

Austin

Paul,

Give the Avs 63 years to catch up to the Wings’ time in existence and then we can compare numbers. We’ll see whose ahead then.

Why such the uproar from wings fans? Datsyuk COULD perform better in the playoffs (see 2001 playoffs, Peter Forsberg, for example) and Dater seems to have hit a sore spot that you all feel the need to defend

Austin

Paul,

Give the Avs 63 years to catch up to the Wings’ time in existence and then we can compare numbers. We’ll see whose ahead then.

Why such the uproar from wings fans? Datsyuk COULD perform better in the playoffs (see 2001 playoffs, Peter Forsberg, for example) and Dater seems to have hit a sore spot that you all feel the need to defend

Jacyln

Iwcopo, I don’t have all day to look for blogs all over the internet. So if you say Adrian went to your site to stir trouble and then brought it back here then fine, it is fair that Wings fans post over here.

My statement was made more in general. Fans from the opposing teams come here ALL the time to stir up trouble and I think its pretty pathetic. The Red Sox fans still don’t leave us alone and it gets really old. I apologize if I lumped this situation into that bucket. But my comments about the Red Wings needing to worry about their own business still stand. This argument is hardly relevant to anything that either teams have going on right now. If we meet in the playoffs then sure go stir it back up. But for right now both teams should give it a rest.

Jacyln

Iwcopo, I don’t have all day to look for blogs all over the internet. So if you say Adrian went to your site to stir trouble and then brought it back here then fine, it is fair that Wings fans post over here.

My statement was made more in general. Fans from the opposing teams come here ALL the time to stir up trouble and I think its pretty pathetic. The Red Sox fans still don’t leave us alone and it gets really old. I apologize if I lumped this situation into that bucket. But my comments about the Red Wings needing to worry about their own business still stand. This argument is hardly relevant to anything that either teams have going on right now. If we meet in the playoffs then sure go stir it back up. But for right now both teams should give it a rest.

Iwocpo

Jaclyn,
No apology necessary. Hope to see you guys April 7th.

Iwo

Iwocpo

Jaclyn,
No apology necessary. Hope to see you guys April 7th.

Iwo

Einar

I can’t believe that someone from Denver would actually have the stupidity to write about how Detroit fans are not supporting their team. After all is Denver not the city who lost a team who now are the New Jersey Devils because they were not a winning team and did not get the support from their fans. Let’s see if the Av’s go 42 years without a cup and then see what kind of following they have. If Colorado had not bought a team that was already built and had not won a cup yet I bet they would be gone from Denver already. I lived in Denver for 5 years as a Red Wings fans and I have never been around such fair weathered fans that are completely uneducated about the game of Hockey. I remember going to watch a playoff game between the Av’s and Dallas When I lived out there. I got the party and they were not even watching the game. They had shut it off and because the Av’s were losing. They made comments like the Av’s suck. Some fans. Well being a Hockey fan I had been listening to the game in the car on the way over and the Av’s had scored a few quick goals and had tied the game up. When they found this out they were right back to being fans again. Colorado fans suck. Fans like this have no business making fun of any other fans.

All I have to Say is that if the Red Wings Suck the Av’s swallow.

I wish you the best and I hope for a playoff face off between the two teams. I hope you beloved Floppa can play that long without another injury.

Einar

I can’t believe that someone from Denver would actually have the stupidity to write about how Detroit fans are not supporting their team. After all is Denver not the city who lost a team who now are the New Jersey Devils because they were not a winning team and did not get the support from their fans. Let’s see if the Av’s go 42 years without a cup and then see what kind of following they have. If Colorado had not bought a team that was already built and had not won a cup yet I bet they would be gone from Denver already. I lived in Denver for 5 years as a Red Wings fans and I have never been around such fair weathered fans that are completely uneducated about the game of Hockey. I remember going to watch a playoff game between the Av’s and Dallas When I lived out there. I got the party and they were not even watching the game. They had shut it off and because the Av’s were losing. They made comments like the Av’s suck. Some fans. Well being a Hockey fan I had been listening to the game in the car on the way over and the Av’s had scored a few quick goals and had tied the game up. When they found this out they were right back to being fans again. Colorado fans suck. Fans like this have no business making fun of any other fans.

All I have to Say is that if the Red Wings Suck the Av’s swallow.

I wish you the best and I hope for a playoff face off between the two teams. I hope you beloved Floppa can play that long without another injury.

Ann

“I lived in Denver for 5 years as a Red Wings fans and I have never been around such fair weathered fans that are completely uneducated about the game of Hockey. I remember going to watch a playoff game between the Av’s and Dallas When I lived out there. I got the party and they were not even watching the game. They had shut it off and because the Av’s were losing. They made comments like the Av’s suck. Some fans. ”

I think that it’s slightly ridiculous to stereotype all Avs fans as fair weather fans based on some obviously pathetic party you attended years ago. I will, however, agree that people like that who call themselves “fans” are a disgrace- not only because they give true fans– fans who stick with their team through the thick AND thin– a bad wrap, but because it shows no respect for the sport of the game. I would hope, though, that you are smart enough to realize that the real fans were probably at the arena or at home busy actually watching the game, not making up excuses to have a party.

Oh, and, I find it ironic that you “wish us best” and hope that “FLoppa” can make it long without getting injured! Sure you do. Even if “Floppa” doesn’t produce on the scoreboard he has already helped in an intangible way- the record speaks for itself- He brings more than just points, assists and hits to the game.

Ann

“I lived in Denver for 5 years as a Red Wings fans and I have never been around such fair weathered fans that are completely uneducated about the game of Hockey. I remember going to watch a playoff game between the Av’s and Dallas When I lived out there. I got the party and they were not even watching the game. They had shut it off and because the Av’s were losing. They made comments like the Av’s suck. Some fans. ”

I think that it’s slightly ridiculous to stereotype all Avs fans as fair weather fans based on some obviously pathetic party you attended years ago. I will, however, agree that people like that who call themselves “fans” are a disgrace- not only because they give true fans– fans who stick with their team through the thick AND thin– a bad wrap, but because it shows no respect for the sport of the game. I would hope, though, that you are smart enough to realize that the real fans were probably at the arena or at home busy actually watching the game, not making up excuses to have a party.

Oh, and, I find it ironic that you “wish us best” and hope that “FLoppa” can make it long without getting injured! Sure you do. Even if “Floppa” doesn’t produce on the scoreboard he has already helped in an intangible way- the record speaks for itself- He brings more than just points, assists and hits to the game.

Olongapo Joe

“Oh, and Olangapo (sp?)…What relevance do the scores of the season series have now?”

(sp?) What confuses you about the spelling of Olongapo?

As for the season series, it gives me cause to laugh at you Avs-tards until the playoffs begin, where, hopefully, a Wings-Dives series will materialize—which will give me cause to laugh at you Avs-tards all summer.

Olongapo Joe

“Oh, and Olangapo (sp?)…What relevance do the scores of the season series have now?”

(sp?) What confuses you about the spelling of Olongapo?

As for the season series, it gives me cause to laugh at you Avs-tards until the playoffs begin, where, hopefully, a Wings-Dives series will materialize—which will give me cause to laugh at you Avs-tards all summer.

Todd

What confuses me is that it isn’t a word in my vocabulary. My exemplary spelling skills don’t transcend into the realm of nonsense words so it’s not worth the time to try to actually look at each letter. But this isn’t really about my spelling, now is it?

Again, wings fans dwell on the past and hope about the future. Would the season series matter to you if they had met while the dead things were in the middle of their current tailspin? It’s all about timing and the playoffs, but detroit fans seem to think it’s all about regular season games. While you’re hoping, you might want to hope that your team isn’t dwelling on the past as you are. I might be doing that too if I weren’t happily thinking about the Avs’ future.

Todd

What confuses me is that it isn’t a word in my vocabulary. My exemplary spelling skills don’t transcend into the realm of nonsense words so it’s not worth the time to try to actually look at each letter. But this isn’t really about my spelling, now is it?

Again, wings fans dwell on the past and hope about the future. Would the season series matter to you if they had met while the dead things were in the middle of their current tailspin? It’s all about timing and the playoffs, but detroit fans seem to think it’s all about regular season games. While you’re hoping, you might want to hope that your team isn’t dwelling on the past as you are. I might be doing that too if I weren’t happily thinking about the Avs’ future.

Einar

I agree it all about the playoffs and the future of the clubs. I do not dwell on the past my only point was the lack of support I saw for the Av’s while I lived in Denver. I could careless where the Wings finish as long as they make the playoffs. I do not get the comments about the regular season. The bottom line is that I love the game for what it is and without the rivalries Hockey would not be hockey. I guess what puts a bad taste in my mouth is all the crap I got living in Denver from people who knew nothing about the game. One time I asked someone who was giving me crap about the Wings to name five Players on the Av’s. That person could name 3 Roy, Sakic, and Forsberg, that’s it. I ran into that all the time out there, people who wanted to talk about how the wings sucked, but knew nothing about the sport. I respect what the Av’s have done, and still looking for an answer from an Av’s fan about the Red Wings Suck chant. After all if they suck so badly why do they have one of the largest followings of any professional sports team? Why is it that everywhere they go the stands are littered with Red and White? I have no problems with statements which are accurate, but until someone can back that statement I will just assume that the only problem Av’s fans have with the Wings is one of jealousy.

Einar

I agree it all about the playoffs and the future of the clubs. I do not dwell on the past my only point was the lack of support I saw for the Av’s while I lived in Denver. I could careless where the Wings finish as long as they make the playoffs. I do not get the comments about the regular season. The bottom line is that I love the game for what it is and without the rivalries Hockey would not be hockey. I guess what puts a bad taste in my mouth is all the crap I got living in Denver from people who knew nothing about the game. One time I asked someone who was giving me crap about the Wings to name five Players on the Av’s. That person could name 3 Roy, Sakic, and Forsberg, that’s it. I ran into that all the time out there, people who wanted to talk about how the wings sucked, but knew nothing about the sport. I respect what the Av’s have done, and still looking for an answer from an Av’s fan about the Red Wings Suck chant. After all if they suck so badly why do they have one of the largest followings of any professional sports team? Why is it that everywhere they go the stands are littered with Red and White? I have no problems with statements which are accurate, but until someone can back that statement I will just assume that the only problem Av’s fans have with the Wings is one of jealousy.

Terry Frei graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in the Denver area and has degrees in history and journalism from the University of Colorado-Boulder. He worked for the Rocky Mountain News while attending CU and joined the Post staff after graduation. He has also worked at the Oregonian in Portland, Ore., and The Sporting News. His seventh book, March 1939: Before the Madness, was issued in February 2014.

Chambers covers college and professional hockey for The Denver Post. He has written for the Post since 1994, after dumping his first 9-to-5 office job a couple years out of college. He primarily follows the University of Denver hockey team and helps cover the Avalanche.